Car Window Tint: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Car window tinting helps keep the car cool and protects the interior. We can help you decide if a blind is right for you and which type will fit.

Window tinting has been around for almost as long as radial tires. The 1958 Chevrolet Impala was one of the first cars to have tinted car window from the factory. 3M introduced window tint as we know it in 1966, but it wasn’t great. Instead of reflecting light, it would trap heat in the car, foaming and turning purple.

Introduced in the early 1990s, second generation window film is much better than the original version because it absorbs heat better and reflects more damaging UV and IR rays.

Modern blinds can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 60%, block ultraviolet (UV) rays by up to 99%, and filter out infrared (IR) radiation from the sun by 90%. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reducing UV exposure to protect yourself from UV rays, the leading cause of skin cancer.

What is a car window tint?

Auto motive car window tints are the process of darkening vehicle windows to reduce visible light transmittance (VLT), which is the amount of visible light that passes through glass. VLT is measured as a percentage of transmitted visible light (VL). The higher the VLT, the more VL will be lost.

What are the shades of car windows?

There are two types, factory and aftermarket.

factory tinted car windows

In factory  car window tinting (also known as tinted glass), dyes and color pigments are added directly to the raw material during glass production. The amount and type of additive determine the color of the glass and the amount of VLT. Factory window tints typically have a VLT of 74 to 85 percent.

Tinted windows are standard on almost all cars sold in the U.S. Manufacturers have found that by reducing UV and IR radiation, air conditioners can operate more efficiently and cool vehicles while using less energy .

Aftermarket window tinting

Replacement window paints (also known as window paints) are plastic films, usually polyester, usually applied to the inside of the window. Similar to factory shades, different types and amounts of additives affect the final shade color, VLT and film reflection properties.

Aftermarket window paints are 90% high-tech nano tech paints that absorb over 60% of all light from a 5% VLT (aka super dark paint or slime) that is virtually impervious to light. Varies to transparent). Solar energy and over 90% infrared heat.

Both types reduce the temperature inside the vehicle, protecting the interior surface of the vehicle from harmful sun rays.

What is the window tint type?

There are several types of aftermarket window shades, each with its own unique characteristics, characteristics and characteristics. All blinds reduce or block glare from the sun and consist of at least three layers.

• seaweed.
• Hue. Depending on the type of film, additional layers may contain dyes, polymers, carbon, ceramics or metallic particles.
• Protective top to prevent chips and scratches.

Most common type of window tint, least to most

• Color window paint

It is mainly used for appearance and privacy. This is the darkest option, but Colored Window Tint VLT does not block the view of vehicles or objects approaching from behind or to the side of the car. Benefits: Non-reflective, reduces internal heat and does not interfere with electronic devices.

Disadvantages: Layers can crack and separate (delamination), foam if not bonded properly, and fade over time.

• Metallic paint for windows Because there are many layers of film, it will be thicker than other layers. Metal particles are embedded in the layers, which reflect heat, darken the glass and block UV radiation.

o Pros: Durable, fade resistant, and reflects solar energy, which makes the air conditioner run more efficiently.

o Cons: Impressive appearance. Metal particles can interfere with vehicle electronics such as cell phone signals, radio reception, GPS, and tire pressure monitoring systems.

• Hybrid window tint
• Combines the best properties of non-ferrous metal shutters.
• Pros: Blocks heat and UV rays, does not interfere with electronic devices, is durable, and reduces fading indoors.
• Disadvantages: More expensive than colored or metallic window tints.
• Carbon glass color
• Composed of hundreds of microlayers of polymer and carbon. This film provides a dark matte black finish that resists fading and reduces intense UV and IR exposure.
• Pros: No reflective “mirror” coating, won’t affect electronic devices, increases privacy, and helps reduce internal heat.
• Cons:
• Ceramic blinds
• It is the highest quality and technically advanced blind. Non-conductive, non-metallic ceramic particles absorb and reflect sunlight, greatly reducing the amount of solar energy entering the car.
• Benefits: Absorbs twice the heat of a color hybrid window paint, does not interfere with electrical signals, is fade resistant, has high optical clarity, reduces upholstery fading, and effectively blurs glass.
• Cons: Expensive and does not provide privacy.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car Window?

The cost depends on your car. The type and number of windows to paint. And whether you plan to do it yourself, or outsource the installation to a specialist. Basic professional coloring of sedans windows can cost between $ 200 and $ 300. Coupes often have deeper curved windows, which  adds to the cost of the same type of colored windows.

If you plan to install Window Tint, you have the option. Most types of window tints are available in off-the-shelf kits ranging from $ 60 to $ 350. Window tints are also provided in rolls. You can buy a roll of 50% VLT film 100 feet long and 24 inches wide for less than $ 80. If you want to use this as a DIY project, you will need a hair dryer and some cheap special tools. ..

What to look for when choosing a color window film?

Consider motivation, safety, especially state law, before making your choice.

• The main purpose of window blackout is to block UV and infrared rays, reduce the glare of the sun and make the ride quality more attractive. All this can be achieved with shades with high or low VLT percentages. If you want to make the inside of the car hard to see, Low VLT film is the best choice.
• If the windows are too dark, visibility may be poor while driving, especially at night. Your safety and the safety of your passengers are top priorities.
• Know your state’s window tint percentage method. Some states offer exemptions for certain medical conditions. Check with your state DMV to see if you are eligible.
• Most vehicles are shipped directly from the factory with colored car windows. To stay within state law, it is important to offset the VLT factory shades before adding aftermarket window shades.

The last word

A reliable vehicle window tint installer knows if the chosen tint exceeds the state window tint method. Please always listen. If your state allows up to 25 percent VLT, don’t set it to 50 percent. If you get caught, you will have to pay a fine and the cost of getting rid of the shadows.

Many installers are not interested in installing windshield shades. It is difficult to apply and many things can go wrong. The water required to fix the film can drip on and under the panel and easily damage electronic devices.